Tips and Resources for Businesses During COVID-19
To our Paystone customers:
As you are most certainly aware, we are all facing challenges right now, especially business owners. We want you to know these will have little to no impact on the services that you receive from Paystone. Rest assured that you will continue to have 24/7 access to phone and online support and that your devices will operate as usual.
We want to offer you support in any way we can. We are working on more solutions to help your business during this time.
Be sure to bookmark this for the latest tools and tips to support your business.
How we can help support you:
- Online and remote payment processing
If you can no longer take in-person payments due to social distancing measures, we can get you set up to accept payments online over the phone or online ASAP.
Create an online payment page for your website or you can send customers a link to pay on a secure payment page with our online payment gateway.
You can also accept credit card payments over the phone with our virtual terminal — simply log in on any computer or mobile device and enter your customer’s card number to process their payment.
- Wireless terminals
You can accept payments for delivery or curbside pickups with our wireless terminals. We offer wi-fi, Bluetooth, 3G, and 4G options, and shipping is free.
- Online ordering for restaurants
We're offering online order to help our restaurant clients accept online take-out and delivery orders in as little as 24 hours. Integrated delivery is also included for those who need it.
- Contactless payment upgrade
If your terminal does not currently allow contactless (NFC) payments, we will provide you with a free upgrade that enables customers to pay by tapping their card or mobile device. Please note, we are only able to perform this upgrade on terminals that are compatible with NFC payments.
To learn more or get started, please contact us at 1-888-900-9192 or support@paystone.com
Steps you can take to mitigate the impact on your business:
- Promote gift cards for future use
Gift cards can increase your immediate cash flow while your business foot traffic is impacted by social distancing. Many businesses have been encouraging regular customers to purchase gift cards and e-gift cards for future use. Customers are looking for small ways to support their favorite businesses during this time and understand how helpful the small act of purchasing a gift card can be.
- Accept orders online or over the phone
Selling and accepting orders online will allow you to continue to serve your customers and generate revenue. Remind your customers that you are still open and deliveries or curbside pick up is available.
- Keep your customers updated
Communicate to your customers via email or social media so they know your adjusted hours or if it’ll take you a little longer to fulfill orders. You can also communicate your appreciation for their support and ways they can continue to support your business during this time.
- Stay connected and encourage sharing via Social Media
Staying top of mind is still important even if your customers can’t visit your establishment. You can still encourage them to share your posts on social media or leave a positive business review. Chances are there’s someone in their network who wants to support you too.
How you can prevent the spread of the virus at your business:
- Limit in-person contact
The easiest way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is to limit the number of people in and out of your business. For some businesses, this may mean shorter hours of operation. For restaurants, this might mean delivery and pick-up orders only and closing the dining room.
- Ensure hand sanitizer is available
If your business remains open to customers, offer hand sanitizer when customers enter your business. Strategically placing bottles of sanitizer near the entrance of your business and simple signage will encourage customers to use it.
- Encourage NFC (contactless) payments
If possible, encourage your customers to pay using NFC by tapping their card, smartwatch or mobile wallet on your payment terminal. It reduces the number of touchpoints, especially compared to cash, which changes hands many, many times. - Disinfect regularly
Make sure that your team regularly disinfects your business. Door handles, countertops, and payment terminals are three of the most frequently touched objects in a store, so keep wipes easily accessible between transactions. When it comes to your payment terminals, use cleaning products that are specifically designed for electronic devices. Some touchscreen terminals have a protective layer that can be damaged with alcohol-based solutions, so ensure you check your device manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t forget accessories such as phones, headsets, and keyboards! Always follow your device manufacturer’s instructions, and remember to turn off your devices before cleaning them. Check out our video for step-by-step instructions.
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Visit the CDC’s website and Canada’s Public Health website for more information.
How to get financial resources and support for your business:
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The new Canada Emergency Business Account will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses to help cover their operating costs (including rent) during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. Qualified businesses are eligible for $10,000 forgiveness if $30,000 is fully repaid by December 31, 2022. Business owners can apply for support from the Canada Emergency Business Account through their banks and credit unions. To learn more visit the Government of Canada's website.
- Get a detailed breakdown of the Government of Canada's initiatives to support businesses and how to apply for them in the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
- Learn about the support available for entrepreneurs impacted by the COVID-19 on the Business Development Bank of Canada's website.
- Access the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's guide to prepare your business for the possible impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.